Teen hospitalized with major injuries after pickup hits semi on Cuesta Grade

A 19-year-old Atascadero woman was taken to the hospital with major injuries Thursday morning after a pickup truck traveling 85 mph collided with a semi on the Cuesta Grade, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The woman was the passenger in a 1998 Chevrolet, along with a 20-year-old male driver from Santa Margarita. The pickup truck reportedly approached a semi that was going 25 to 30 mph and failed to slow down.

The pickup truck collided with the rear of the semi, then went to the right and crashed into the guardrail, resulting in majors injuries to the passenger, CHP said. She was taken to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center.

CHP said DUI was not suspected and the investigation is ongoing. Details on the condition of the semi driver, a 78-year-old Arroyo Grande man, or the pickup truck driver, were not immediately available.

The crash happened just after 7:30 a.m. near Old Stage Coach Road, according to the CHP. The No. 3 lane was closed, which is the far-right lane of the highway. By 10 a.m., the lane was reopened, according to Caltrans.

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 7:27 PM with the headline "Teen hospitalized with major injuries after pickup hits semi on Cuesta Grade."